History of Urdu Literature

Literature, comprising of different styles of prose and poetry plays an important role in evolution of a particular language.

The word Urdu derived its roots from a Turkish word “ordu”, translated as “an army, “a camp” or “a legion”, came into existence and flourished initially as a medium of communication amongst Muslim Arab, Persian and Turkish armies marching through the regions of South Asia.

Historic evidences of Urdu writing can be traced back to as early as 13^th century to Muhammad Urfi (1228 A.D) and Ameer Khusro (1259-1325 A.D).

The likes of those mentioned above set the foundation stone which lead the evolution and development of Urdu language all through ages to the present state.

Urdu language in general and literature in particular kept itself alive through the efforts of prominent poets of early 18^th century like Mir Dard, Mir Taqi Mir, Muhammad Rafi Sauda and Mir Anis.

Initially poetry was the only preferred medium of expression for Urdu writers which was subsequently followed by different forms of prose as well, to compliment it a great deal.

The prose element of Urdu literature took its roots from the ancient forms of long-epic stories, part and parcel of neighboring Persian Culture and literature, called Dastaan.

It wasn’t till mid 19^th century that this form of expression saw any development of significant impact. Novel writing adopted and promoted by the likes of Nazir Ahmad (1836-1912) and Munshi Premchand (1880-1936) by compiling great novels like Mirat-ul-Urus and Bazar-e-Husan laid the basis for growth and development of this genre of novel writing and short stories in Urdu literature.

On the other side poets like Mirza Ghalib, Aatish and Zauk played a vital role in carrying forward the literary front of Urdu language.

The evolution and development of Urdu literature was complimented by the poets and prose writers of 20^th century.

Allama Iqbal, Jigar Muradabadi, Hali, Hafeez Jalindhari, Hasrat Mohani followed by contemporary poets like Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Ahmad Faraz, Kishwar Naheed and Mohsin Naqvi, to name a few who carried on the rich literary legacy of Urdu language the way it deserved.

Modern Urdu prose writers of various disciplines like novel, short story, drama and afasana including Ibn-e-Insha, Ashfaq Ahmad, Bano Qudsia, Shaukat Siddiqui and Fatima Suriya Bajiya are amongs the ones who served to promote Urudu literature a great deal.